For the first time in his NASCAR Cup Series career, Ty Gibbs went to Victory Lane last week at Bristol. Gibbs held off a hard-charging Ryan Blaney in the closing laps to secure the checkered flag. Next up, NASCAR heads West to Kansas City, Kansas, for the 2026 AdventHealth 400.
The 1.5-mile circuit at Kansas Speedway has delivered some thrilling moments in the NASCAR NextGen car. Could we see Ty Gibbs make it two in a row, or will we see another first-time winner in Victory Lane?
Let’s dive in.
2026 AdventHealth 400 Entry List
One of the hottest prospects in NASCAR, Corey Heim, will be behind the wheel of the #67 car for 23XI Racing this weekend. Heim is the lone non-charter entry in the field and will look to make the most of his limited time in the Cup Series this year. With Alex Bowman’s return to the #48 last week, the charter entries remain unchanged.
Bubba's big breakthrough victory.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 16, 2026
We know he's ready to make more memorable moments like this on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/yqRZJkZUV3
Kansas Speedway has delivered some incredibly compelling races since the inception of the NASCAR NextGen car, and I’d expect the 1.5-mile circuit to feature some great racing once again. The drivers who have the most versatile cars, able to run multiple grooves on the race track, will likely make their way to the front. Passing will still present challenges with the aeroblocking we’re sure to see.
2026 AdventHealth 400 Race Predictions
Last year’s AdventHealth 400 saw Kyle Larson utterly dominate the field en route to a win. However, the Chevrolets have a new body style in 2026 that likely impacts the aerodynamics. Las Vegas saw Hendrick run well, but I’m hesitant to believe Chevy has everything figured out after just one 1.5-mile race. Larson will be competitive, but I don’t see him making his way to Victory Lane.
To go fast at @kansasspeedway, you must drive it in there like it's going to stick. pic.twitter.com/2BhzHNLzDy
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 16, 2026
Larson’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate, Chase Elliott, won the fall race at Kansas in a race that was controlled mostly by Denny Hamlin. With Elliott likely facing the same challenges as Larson, I’m looking more towards the Toyota camp for a winner. Hamlin is consistently near the front at Kansas, but I believe it will be his Joe Gibbs teammate, Christopher Bell, who finds Victory Lane – bouncing back from a disastrous Bristol race.
Elsewhere in the field, keep an eye on Ryan Blaney. Blaney has consistently been one of the fastest cars in the field this season. However, his performance has been hampered by pit crew miscues that cost him track position. Penske has made changes to the #12 pit crew, and that will be something to watch at Kansas.
Check out the schedule below so you don’t miss any on-track action this weekend.
Friday 04/17
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Practice – 6:00 p.m. CT on the CW App
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Qualifying – 7:05 p.m. CT on the CW App
Saturday 04/18
Tide 150 (ARCA Menards Series) – 11:30 a.m. CT on FS1
NASCAR Cup Series Practice – 3:00 p.m. CT on Prime
NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – 4:10 p.m. CT on Prime
Kansas Lottery 300 (NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series) – 6:00 p.m. CT on the CW
Sunday 04/19
AdventHealth 400 (NASCAR Cup Series) – 1:00 p.m. CT on FOX and HBO Max
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